Naturalist and television presenter, Chris Packham CBE, and BBC Plant Earth III Producer, Mike Gunton, are set to headline this year’s Environmental Services & Solutions Expo conference agenda alongside other senior leaders from Defra, the Environment Agency, the NHS. 

As the industry navigates unprecedented challenges and complex regulatory landscapes, ESS Expo aims to convene stakeholders in the resource, recycling and sustainability sector from 11 to 12 September 2024 at the NEC Birmingham. 

The expo will feature over 350 experts sharing insights at dedicated sessions, see the full 2024 agenda here. RWM has said that it hopes to serve as a pivotal platform for addressing critical issues, exchanging knowledge, and fostering innovation to shape the future of the resource industry. 

Mike Gunton and Chris Packham 

Mike Gunton, producer of BBC Plant Earth III will kick off the programme at 11:00am on 11 September. Gunton will take to the Summit Stage, sponsored by Suez, with his presentation entitled, ‘Planet Earth and Beyond… How To Show The Challenges Facing The Natural World And Keep Your Audience Engaged’. With over four decades of experience in natural world television, Gunton will explain how humanity is changing our planet and how he manages the delicate balance of bringing these important issues to our screens. 

Chris Packham will also headline the Summit Stage agenda on day one (13:45, 11 September) to discuss the ways that the UK can achieve greater sustainability and innovation in environmental practices. Bringing his wealth of expertise on the environmental sector, wildlife, and conservation, Packham hopes to forge powerful partnerships with the industry and commercial sectors to infiltrate and create effective compromise to conserve and care for the environment. 

“Leaders in waste” 

A panel discussion featuring some of the biggest resource management companies, titled: ‘Leaders in Waste’ (12:00, 12 September), will feature Maxine Mayhew, chief operating officer, collections and specialist services at Biffa; Steve Molyneux, deputy director waste and resources at the Environment Agency; Neil Grundon, chairman of Grundon; Anna Willetts, partner at gunnercooke LLP; and Jenny Harrison, chief financial officer at enfinium. The session is set to delve into critical industry trends, innovative waste reduction strategies, and the challenges and opportunities presented by recent regulations. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the strategies employed by leading companies to navigate the complexities of the waste management sector. 

Another panel discussion titled ‘The Future of Environment & Sustainability’ (10:15, 12 September, Summit Stage) is set to be one of the biggest sessions at the show. Bringing together a panel of experts, including Bethany Cockshutt from The Carbon Trust, Chani Courtney of Surfers Against Sewage, David Donnelly from Re-Gen Robotics and JMD Training, Jennifer Brown of Grant Thornton UK LLP, and renowned environmental writer and campaigner Jonathan Porritt, this session is set to delve into the significant developments that have shaped the resource and sustainability landscape in 2024. The discussion will cover critical topics such as the impact of policy changes, the role of emerging technologies, and the increasing importance of corporate responsibility in driving sustainable practices. Looking towards the future, the panel will also explore emerging trends, including the heightened focus on biodiversity and the necessity of adaptive strategies in response to climate change. 

The full conference speaker agenda is now available to view  here. 

To register to attend ESS Expo 2024 from 11-12 September at the NEC, Birmingham, check out the form here.

Join us at the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS Expo) for a deep dive into pivotal environmental topics.

This key event features over 200 sessions in key sectors like Net Zero, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, and Hydrogen Energy. It's an essential platform for those keen to engage with the latest sustainable trends and innovations. Discover the future of environmental solutions at the ESS Expo.